In Memoriam

We thank those who came before us — those whose memories and spirt surround us. These faulty were and remain a gift to each us, legendary teachers, scholars, practitioners, and mentors, they radiated joy, kindness and compassion. These colleagues and friends will forever guide us in our work to strengthen the profession, practice, and reach of art conservation.

​Dr. Vicki Cassman passed away on August 6, 2020 after an amazingly brave battle against Metastatic Breast Cancer. For 12 years, Dr. Cassman shared her passion for learning, teaching, and the preservation of cultural heritage with students at the University of Delaware, most recently as the Director of Undergraduate Studies in the UD’s Department of Art Conservation. She received the 2012 College of Arts and Sciences Outstanding Service Award, and the 2012 University of Delaware Excellence in Advising and Mentoring Award. In February 2019, UD launched the first Vicki Cassman Undergraduate Art Conservation Symposium, where students from across the university presented talks summarizing research and treatment projects undertaken in the Department of Art Conservation. A UDaily feature on Dr. Cassman is available here.

​Bruno Pouliot—Winterthur Senior Conservator of Objects and WUDPAC Affiliated Assitant Professor—passed away on May 23, 2018. Bruno worked at Winterthur for nearly 20 years, overseeing the objects conservation laboratory and contributing to the care and treatment of objects at Winterthur, focusing especially on organic materials, metals, and stain reduction on ceramics. In 2010 Bruno was the recipient of the American Institute for Conservation (AIC) Sheldon & Caroline Keck Award for excellence in the education and training of conservation professionals and he had recently received the American Institute for Conservation (AIC) Robert L. Feller Lifetime Achievement Award, given for exceptional contributions to the conservation profession over the course of one’s career. Bruno was the sixth recipient of the award since its inception in 2011. The award was presented on April 30th at the Hawkes Center on the Winterthur Estate, by AIC president Margaret Holben Ellis. Bruno’s remarks cited his profound admiration, commitment, and gratitude to the AIC, Winterthur, WUPDAC (especially his 80+ students), and the profession of conservation. His acceptance speech was taped and was shared at the 2018 AIC meeting in Houston.